"I want to be the best I can. But most of all I want to be a good mother and a competent coach."

Anna Quost works as a coach and trains at Myleo Crossfit in Berlin.

Masters Women (40-44)

Age: 41 Height: 170 cm

Weight: 64 kg

Hey Anna, could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you found your way into CrossFit?

There is actually really not that much to tell. I am 41 by now, happily married and I have teenage twins. Jobwise, I mainly work for Myleo Crossfit and I think it was my curiosity as well as my ambition leading me the way to Crossfit and Myleo in particular. Until about 5 years ago, I used to work as a personal coach at Fitness First focussing on running and functional workouts. I was a passionate running coach and I probably would have rolled my eyes at people telling me about weightlifting.

Our then fitness manager travelled to Australia and got to know Crossfit. We tried “Cindy” but it was a complete fail – these damn pull-ups. However, the possibilities in the gym itself were limited so I kept looking for a box and I finally signed up on the 25th June 2012. Back then, I weighed just over 50 kg but wanted to lift like just like the others. Who wouldn’t? The first steps were made and I was proud to get nominated for the first “cry me a river.“ That was when I realised that it would take more than just a strong will and this is how I became a professional athlete and a coach.

How do you prepare for Competitions?

I keep an eye on a balanced diet, I follow my workout plan and I must not forget about prepare my mind as well. You work with a Coach, how does that differ to your training before?

There is definitely a noticeable difference. Whereas my workouts used to be rather loosely planned and far from personalised, it’s now all individually programmed for my needs. My condition and strength parts have proven to be very effective and I have made significant progress. I may be able to coach others, but not myself. When I took part in the Weightlifting101 Camp in 2016, it probably was the greatest challenge so far. After the first day I was completely exhausted and swore to myself to never ever go to that kind of camp again. But in the end, I was so fascinated that I started looking for a coach and programming. It was my choice – either just „The Progrm” or the program and a coach. I decided for the coach and have been working with Gwendolin Sona for over half a year now. She is Germany’s most successful Crossfit athlete so far and was nominated for the European Regionals 4 times. It certainly wasn’t a coincidence to team up with her and everything has worked out great so far. She´s very supportive and makes me stronger physically as well as mentally.

The training is hard and really demanding. There are no excuses and it pushes me to get out of my comfort zone. It used to be easy to say “All right, today I quit.” But video analyses help me improve and it’s just not comparable to before. Above all, having a coach means to always have mental and moral support. Sometimes that is even more important than the training itself.

2016 Athlete Games 2nd

2016 EMT 1st

2016 French Throwdown 1st 2016 German Throwdown 2nd

The last year seemed to be pretty successful for you, what are your goals for 2017?

The Open and the Regionals are on top of my list. And everything else is going to fall in place after. Of course (it would be amazing to proceed one stage further and qualify for the Games but with only 20 athletes worldwide making it through I know this is going to be tough). I would love to participate in the big Throwdowns, like Berlin or in France.

How do you see the European and especially the German Crossfit scene in comparison to the rest of the world?

From my point of view, the German Crossfit community has only emerged within the last couple of years and I’m happy that it is now finally perceived as a scene.

Do you think the Meridian Region should be split into more than just one Region? If yes, how would you divide it?

For me there is no need.

If Dave Castro gave you the opportunity to choose a workout for The Open next year, what would you program?

How would you describe the solidarity and competition among Athletes that meet on the international stage?

For me, competing in the Masters division makes a huge difference compared to the individuals. Among the masters there is definitely a huge sense of solidarity and respect for one another.

Where do you see Crossfit in 10 years?

I personally think that in 10 years Crossfit is still going to be a niche. But it is also going to remain an attractive market for nutrition supplements and so on. I also think that the scene is going to develop quite moderately compared to other countries.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I want to be the best I can. But most of all I want to be a good mother and a competent coach.

You have a family with 2 kids, you are married and a full-time coach. How do you manage all that?

I keep asking myself the same question from time to time. But I just stick to my goals and pursue them step by step. I know I’m on the right track so I just keep going and my eyes peeled for new perspectives and opportunities.

How do your kids feel about their strong mum?

They’re very proud and their support means incredibly much to me.

Do you have any tips for Athletes who want to prepare for Competition?

Work with a coach who knows you!

Thanks very much for your time Anna and good luck with everything this year!

Check out this interview for more information about another inspirational Crossfit woman:

ABOUT US

BOXROX – Competitive Fitness Magazine is the world's most widely reaching magazine for Crossfitters and fans of functional fitness. With 730.000 monthly readers from more than 180 countries it connects the worldwide fitness community. The magazine and its 200+ active contributors currently cover many topics including CrossFit®, weightlifting, nutrition, lifestyle and community related news. Everything that a fitness fan is searching for.